AUGUST 18, 2025
Topic: “INTIMACY AND SPIRITUAL WARFARE IN THE CHURCH – THE BEGINNING OF OPPOSITION“
Text: Acts 4:1-12
Memory Verse: “And when they had set them in the midst, they inquired “By what power or by what name did you do this?” Acts 4: 7.
Christians should realize that spiritual warfare can arise within and without the church. One of the chief reasons for the existence of church on earth is to continue the work Jesus had started. After receiving the gift of the Holy Spirit, the apostles were empowered to go all out to proclaim the good news of Jesus Christ and to perform miracles.
The activities of the early church displeased the authorities. They preached to the people without receiving any education and ordination from the rabbis. Secondly, they preached the resurrection of Jesus Christ, a doctrine which was distasteful to the Sadducees, a dominant party among the influential members of the priesthood. The preaching and healing of the lame man led to the arrest of Peter and John. This was the beginning of spiritual warfare in early church.
Should the church withdraw from what Christ handed over to her? God forbid! Peter and John boldly answered all questions the authority asked them. God gave them the boldness and wisdom to deal with spiritual warfare. In today’s world, children of God are persecuted in various ways, such as: persecution in our places of work, calling us various names like S.U, Mr. Holy in order to mock us, slammed heavy fines on us when we refuse to give bribe, etc. All these should not discourage us since we are children of light. Unfortunately, “Men loved darkness rather than light, because their deeds are evil. “John 3: 19b.
The church of God should not be discouraged no matter the intensity of the spiritual warfare. Christ says, “I have said this to you, that in me you, may have peace. In the world, you have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world.” John 16:33. Christ has overcome the world, definitely His church will overcome also in Jesus’ name, Amen.
PRAYER: Our dear heavenly Father, grant your church the boldness and wisdom to continue the work you have handed over to her. May glory and honour be yours in Jesus’ name, Amen.